Hernando 12-year-old's suicide investigated

Brooksville, Florida - A Hernando County community is mourning the loss of a 12-year-old boy.

The medical examiner has confirmed that Miguel Rodriguez, a 7th grader at West Hernando Middle School, hanged himself on Wednesday. The principal sent a letter home to parents Thursday afternoon and is leaving a recorded message as well, alerting parents to what's happened.

The question for so many is why would a 12-year-old kill himself.

Officials with the Hernando County Sheriff's Office say a family member found Miguel in his Spring Hill home around 5:30 in the afternoon.

According to school officials, Miguel did not go to school on Wednesday. Deputies were at the school Thursday, investigating his death. The principal says this has been a difficult day for everyone.

"We're a family here at West Hernando Middle School," says Principal Carmine Rufa. "The kids are close. We have support from district officials. The Care team is here, guidance counselors from different schools are helping students out and faculty."

"There's no words for it. Something needs to be done. We've got to be more in tune with our kids," says Sheila Treider. Her son is a 7th grader at West Hernando Middle.

There's been some discussion that Miguel may have been a victim of bullying. Investigators and school officials are looking into this, but as of now, there's no evidence of bullying.